Since its launch in 2017, the Community Cats Grants program has helped 261 organizations raise a collective $762,114, with $488,201 awarded in matching grants – all to help spay/neuter 21,200 community cats.
Designed specifically for small organizations, the program challenges participants to raise at least $2,000 through a brand-new fundraising effort in order to receive a $2,000 matching grant. Fundraisers must be something the organization has never tried before, and participants have just three months to plan and execute.
To support their success, United Spay Alliance facilitates monthly check-in calls, where participants exchange ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and encourage one another.
Group 20’s Fundraising Success
The most recent grant cycle, Group 20, just wrapped up fundraising – and the results were outstanding. A total of 38 organizations from across the United States collectively raised $123,645. Grants have been awarded, and now the focus shifts to putting those dollars to work, covering the cost of spay/neuter surgeries for cats who live outside.
“This is a wonderful way to jump into fundraising with excellent support from the organizers as well as the various participants,” said Cameron Moore of Lucky Cat Adoptions. “Our advice would be to take advantage of the opportunity presented to earn and learn.”
Creative Fundraising in Action
Every grant cycle brings new and exciting fundraising ideas, and this time was no exception. Groups experimented with:
- Online Auctions
- Photo Booths
- Envelope Challenges
- Pet Portraits
- Brewery Fundraisers
- Happy Hours
- Craft Nights
- Merchandise Sales
- And more!
Each event was tailored to highlight the strengths of the participating organizations and engage their communities.
One standout success came from 30A Cats in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Their idea of hosting a local screening of Cat Daddies turned into a major community event with an incredible turnout! Between the movie screening and their online auction, they ended up raising over $11,300 – for cats!
While the fast-paced nature of the program was a challenge, 30A Cats’ hard work paid off – even they were surprised by their success!
So what’s their advice for future grantees? “Do the calls, it’s very beneficial!”
Building Fundraising Conference
For organizations with limited fundraising experience, the Community Cats Grants program provides more than just funding – it offers a blueprint for success. Participants receive:
- A comprehensive guide filled with the tips, advice, and creative ideas from past grantees
- Monthly support calls with United Spay Alliance to stay on track and accountable
- A collaborative environment that helps build confidence and fundraising capacity
And these are truly grassroots organizations – every organization in Group 20 has an annual revenue of $200,000 or less, with most operating under $50,000.
Get Involved
The next grant cycle is now open! Interested organizations can apply by March 31.
Want to support the program? Donations help ensure more organizations can access these capacity-building grants. Click here to donate or contact our Executive Director, Brianna Lovell Myers, at brianna@unitedspayalliance.org.
